My drivers side leaf springs are out of line.
Mechanic said he could loosen the u-bolts and know them back into line for $75. I crawled under and was looking at it today. It does not appear to be any big deal. Do you think I can do this myself? Can it be done on the ground or does it have to be jacked up?
They are about and inch and a half off.


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1997 F150 XLT-STX, Reg. Cab,Oxford White, 4.2L, Auto, 3:55, Prestige Alarm System, MPC Wrap Bugshield, Spare tire Shield,
-It's a beautiful Thing!-
Also: 1996 Probe
1998 Mustang
1999 Taurus

 

The job can be done on the ground, however, you do need to use a jack to take the weight of the vehicle off the springs. Once that is done it should be no problem to adjust.

 

There is/was a tsb or recall on the springs. Something about a keaper to prevent them from moving sideways. Check the site for Recalls & TSB's.

 

Are the leaf springs coming off the perch on the axle? Or are they rotating on the perch (so they are mis-aligned at the ends of the springs). If it's the former, I would suggest letting the mechanic do it, he can check for any cause that might be a problem. If it is the latter, you can just hit them back into line with a hammer, no jack required. If it is a recurring problem, any spring shop can sell you clips that prevent this for a nominal charge.

There is a recall for broken springs which can cause rotation on the perch, possibly causing fuel tank damage.


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1997 F-150 4X4
5.4L
Automatic
LeBra Tonneau
K&N Filter
Gibson Exhaust
Xeonblue Lightbulbs
Torsion bar level
B&M Shiftplus
Foglights without Headlights




jopamu@yahoo.com

 

I did aligned mine a couple of weeks ago while doing the lift blocks. No problem and very easy. Right now after 2-3k miles they are still sitting where they go.

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My Ride: 1998 F150 4x4 Lariat Supercab Flareside 5.4L in Oxford White/gold, ORP, Tow Package, 3.55 Gears.

Modifications:
K&N FIPK
Gibson Supertruck Exhaust System
Stepshield door sill protectors
Performance Accesories 3" Body Lift
Superlift 3" lift blocks
Performance Lift Lips
Gabriel Gas Ryder LT VST Shocks
Daystar Front Anti-sway Bar Polyurethane Bushings
Heckethorn Steering Stabilizer
35x12.5R16.5LT BFG All Terrain KO's
16.5x9.75 American Eagle 589's.

Photos at: http://www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck

 

Hywaystar, they are sort of pivoting on the perch, as you call it. So they are about two inches to the inside at the front of the springs and two inches to the outside at the trailing edge. I have tried whacking them with a heavy hammer but they don't budge. I assume I have to loosen the u-bolts.

JMTruck, how did you do it?

 

I have recently purchased a 3 inch body lift and want 35's when I am done. I see you have a 3 inch block in the back but did you have to turn the torsion bars up in the front?

 

I would think you would at least need to get the weight off the springs. Lossening wouldn't hurt but (no professional here) I wouldalso think you'd need to watch the torque when you tighten them back up. For example, (according to the 2000 Ford Truck Service CD) a 2000 F150 rear spring U-bolts shouod be torqued to 73-97 ft lbs.

(After looking it up I guess it's not so particular to have 25 ft lbs of spread)